Rat control by trapping in deepwater rice

Abstract

Studies conducted at the deepwater rice research site of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute during 1989–1992 revealed that bandicoot rats in flooded deepwater rice (DWR) fields can be controlled effectively by the use of live traps. Intensive trapping during the flooding period significantly reduced damage to elongating stems and grain yield. Live traps were found to be superior to snap traps. Traps need to be placed on a float. Trap floats served as roosts for the exhausted rats that swam from the raised areas to the flooded rice fields. Floats made of banana trunk (after fruit harvest) were inexpensive and lasted for 2–3 weeks. Fresh snail flesh or paddy grains were effective trap baits. Field monitoring is an essential part of the trapping programme. The programme should be Initiated at the beginning of stem cutting in the field and continue until its cessation. Collective effort may be useful but not essential, when a DWR field is attacked an individual farmer can adopt the method to control rats.

Keywords:

• bandicoot rats
• deepwater rice
• control
• traps
• baits
• trap float

Notes

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